Billy Joel to change 'New York State of Mind' lyric after 50 years of promoting NY Times.


Billy Joel to change 'New York State of Mind' lyric after 50 years of promoting NY Times.
The Issue
Billy Joel's music has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of countless others. His songs, filled with beautiful narratives and authentic emotion, have resonated deeply within us and have become timeless pieces we hold dearly in our hearts. His iconic track, "New York State of Mind," has been a tribute to New York and its many facets, including a nod to the New York Times, for nearly fifty years. For a publication as prestigious and renowned as the New York Times to overlook Billy Joel's contributions by omitting him from their list of top living songwriters is simply outrageous and profoundly disappointing.
Billy Joel has painted vivid pictures of New York life through his music, capturing the essence of the city like no other. His lyrics not only depict scenes of our beloved state but also echo the stories and emotions of millions who have experienced the magic of New York. To have the New York Times disregard this is a disservice not only to Billy Joel but to New Yorkers and music lovers around the world.
In light of this, we propose a change. We ask Billy Joel to consider permanently altering the lyrics of "New York State of Mind" by replacing "New York Times" with another reputable newspaper such as the "New York Post." This gesture would not only reflect the unfortunate oversight by the New York Times but also honor other publications that continue to respect and support artists who have contributed richly to our cultural landscape.
Join us in this petition to show our respect and admiration for Billy Joel's work and to stand by a musician who has given voice to our lives and stories. Let's encourage this change as a symbolic act of recognition and gratitude. Sign the petition today and help us make a statement for artistic acknowledgment and respect.
PS: it's FREE to sign the petition. You may ignore the request for change donation below.
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The Issue
Billy Joel's music has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of countless others. His songs, filled with beautiful narratives and authentic emotion, have resonated deeply within us and have become timeless pieces we hold dearly in our hearts. His iconic track, "New York State of Mind," has been a tribute to New York and its many facets, including a nod to the New York Times, for nearly fifty years. For a publication as prestigious and renowned as the New York Times to overlook Billy Joel's contributions by omitting him from their list of top living songwriters is simply outrageous and profoundly disappointing.
Billy Joel has painted vivid pictures of New York life through his music, capturing the essence of the city like no other. His lyrics not only depict scenes of our beloved state but also echo the stories and emotions of millions who have experienced the magic of New York. To have the New York Times disregard this is a disservice not only to Billy Joel but to New Yorkers and music lovers around the world.
In light of this, we propose a change. We ask Billy Joel to consider permanently altering the lyrics of "New York State of Mind" by replacing "New York Times" with another reputable newspaper such as the "New York Post." This gesture would not only reflect the unfortunate oversight by the New York Times but also honor other publications that continue to respect and support artists who have contributed richly to our cultural landscape.
Join us in this petition to show our respect and admiration for Billy Joel's work and to stand by a musician who has given voice to our lives and stories. Let's encourage this change as a symbolic act of recognition and gratitude. Sign the petition today and help us make a statement for artistic acknowledgment and respect.
PS: it's FREE to sign the petition. You may ignore the request for change donation below.
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The Decision Makers

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Petition created on April 28, 2026